Five Springs Falls Campground (lower)

A Local's Guide to Five Springs Falls Campground (Lower) in Wyoming

### 🏞️ Introduction / Overview

For Wyoming residents looking to escape the everyday and immerse themselves in the state’s majestic natural beauty, Five Springs Falls Campground (Lower) offers an unforgettable rustic camping experience. Nestled along the scenic US Highway 14A, approximately 25 miles east of Lovell, this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) facility provides a quintessential High Plains outdoor retreat. With an elevation starting around 6,520 feet, the campground serves as a gateway to the Bighorn National Forest, offering incredible panoramic vistas of the northern Bighorn Basin, including the distant Bighorn, Pryor, and Absaroka Mountains.

The Lower Loop of the campground is particularly well-suited for tent camping and day-use picnicking, promoting a peaceful, back-to-basics atmosphere. It features nine distinct, well-spaced campsites that offer a sense of privacy and seclusion. The area is known for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to the tranquil Five Springs Creek, making it a perfect spot for unwinding beneath the expansive Wyoming sky. Visitors consistently praise the conscientious maintenance of the facility, noting the very clean vault toilets and overall condition of the grounds.

---

### 📍 Location and Accessibility

Five Springs Falls Campground is situated off US Highway 14A, a key scenic route that connects Lovell to the higher elevations of the Bighorn Mountains. The campground itself is located near Lovell, Wyoming, providing a convenient resupply point for local users before heading into the wild. Access to the campground from the main highway involves navigating a two-mile access road that is notable for being steep and winding.

For local campers planning their trip, it is important to note that the Lower Loop of the campground is not recommended for Recreational Vehicles (RVs) over 25 feet in length due to the challenging access road and the layout of the campsites. The lower sites are primarily designed for tent camping, with the exception of the host site. Travel to the campground can be difficult for larger trailers, and prospective visitors should carefully consider their vehicle size and comfort level with steep switchbacks. Despite the slightly challenging approach, the reward is a truly secluded and spectacularly scenic camping destination that feels wonderfully remote.

---

### 🌲 Services Offered

The campground is managed by the BLM and is operational seasonally, typically from mid-May through late September, weather permitting. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, although there is a nominal fee for use, payable via an “iron ranger” (which requires $7 cash, as noted by local users). The Lower Loop is specifically designed to provide essential amenities for a comfortable, yet traditional, camping experience:

• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained central toilet facilities are available for all visitors.
• Potable Water: A central water faucet is provided near the host site for drinking and cooking needs.
• Campsite Equipment: Each of the nine sites includes a sturdy metal grate picnic table, a fire ring for campfires, and a tent pad.
• Bear Boxes/Food Storage: Individual campsites are equipped with bear boxes (animal-proof garbage cans/storage) to secure food and attractants from local wildlife, which is a critical safety feature in this region.
• Trash Collection: Animal-proof trash disposal facilities are available for campers.
• Camp Host: A dedicated camp host is typically on site to assist visitors and manage the facility.

---

### 🌟 Features / Highlights

Five Springs Falls Campground (Lower) is renowned among Wyoming locals not just for its amenities, but for its stunning natural features and unique atmosphere. It’s a place where the landscape itself provides the primary attractions:

• Spectacular Views: Enjoy unparalleled views of the Bighorn Basin and surrounding mountain ranges, offering fantastic photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• Five Springs Falls Trail: A short, rewarding hike from the parking area leads to a lookout point for the magnificent Five Springs Falls—a must-see 100-foot waterfall kept moist by its own spray.
• Creek Access: The lower campsites are located on or near the tranquil Five Springs Creek, providing the soothing sound of running water and opportunities for relaxation by the water.
• Dark Skies: Due to the remote location and minimal light pollution, the campground is an ideal spot for stargazing. Customer reviews consistently highlight the incredible view of the stars at night.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, black bear, and mountain lion, offering excellent opportunities for responsible wildlife observation.
• Proximity to Bighorn National Forest: The campground serves as a launch point, with nearby trails leading directly into the extensive hiking and recreational areas of the Bighorn National Forest.
• Level and Private Sites: Campsites are noted for being level, well-spaced out, and sheltered by trees, ensuring a private and comfortable setup for tent campers.
• Unique Neighbors: A charming and non-intrusive feature of the site is the presence of free-range cattle, which often graze nearby, adding to the authentic Wyoming ranching landscape experience.

---

### 📞 Contact Information

For the most current information on conditions, availability, and specific directions, local users are encouraged to contact the BLM office responsible for the area. Note that services are limited, and reservations are not available through Recreation.gov—this is strictly a first-come, first-served site.

Address: Lovell, WY 82431, USA (located on Old US Highway 14A)

Phone: (307) 578-5900 (BLM Cody Field Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 307-578-5900

---

### 👍 What is Worth Choosing This Campground

Choosing Five Springs Falls Campground (Lower) is the right decision for the local Wyoming outdoor enthusiast who values seclusion, natural beauty, and a traditional tent camping experience. It is unequivocally one of the best spots in the northern Bighorn Basin for those who want to disconnect and reconnect with nature without sacrificing basic cleanliness and safety.

First, the scenic reward for the effort is exceptional. The short hike to the dramatic Five Springs Falls is an accessible natural wonder that few other local campgrounds can boast. The combination of cascading water, high elevation views, and the nearby Five Springs Creek creates a deeply tranquil and picturesque setting. Furthermore, for the local tent camper, the Lower Loop offers the ideal setup: level ground, privacy thanks to well-spaced, tree-sheltered sites, and the crucial provision of animal-proof food storage (bear boxes) at every location.

Second, the dedication to cleanliness sets this BLM site apart. Feedback repeatedly highlights the meticulous care taken by those responsible for maintaining the vault toilets and the grounds. This attention to detail ensures a pleasant stay, allowing you to focus purely on relaxation and adventure. The minimal fee, payable upon arrival, feels like a small price for such a well-kept and richly featured piece of Wyoming wilderness.

In summary, if your ideal Wyoming weekend involves pitching a tent next to a creek, enjoying pitch-black nights filled with countless stars, and having a waterfall trail just a stone's throw away, all within a clean, responsibly managed environment, Five Springs Falls Campground (Lower) is the premier choice for your next local escape into the Bighorn Mountains.